Wolves have lots of injury issues heading to West Brom, says Nuno
Wolves chief Nuno Espirito Santo insists they have ‘many problems’ on the injury front going into Monday’s Black Country derby.
Having been plagued by major issues throughout the campaign, Nuno opted not to go into which players are now struggling as that would ‘clearly’ give Albion an advantage.
The Portuguese, though, says the situation will become clear once the teams are announced at The Hawthorns.
“We have problems. We have many problems that, unfortunately, are happening to us,” said Nuno.
“I don’t want to say everybody who is in that situation because, clearly, it would be an advantage for our opponent.
“But the squad list will reflect the issues we have.
“We have big problems that require big solutions, with the options that we have.
“There was a moment not long ago where we were able to stabilise the team and repeat the starting XI many times in a row, and you see that the team improves.
“That’s the way it should be game after game, the same players getting to know themselves better and the team improves.
“But it didn’t happen. The squad, we have to manage.
“Of course, I would love to find myself in another situation but it’s the reality and we have to go – and we have options.
“Let’s not always think about all the players who are out. Let’s focus as we have two training sessions to prepare for the game.
“Of course, the team is going to be different. It’s up to us to decide well and for the players to show their qualities.”
In terms of Wolves’ known injuries, midfielder Joao Moutinho missed the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Burnley last time out having suffered an ankle injury during training.
Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto, Jonny Castro Otto and Fernando Marcal are also on the sidelines.
On Jimenez and his recovery from a fractured skull, Nuno added: “Nothing has changed, it’s still the same.
“He is working well, playing good, scoring and happy. But we still have to wait for the medical decision.
“It requires patience and the right decisions because it’s too serious to make any kind of mistake on.
“I see him ready to eventually play. But I cannot see everything – I cannot see inside his head. How is the bone? And this is what we have to respect and wait.
“If the medical clearance came, he could be involved in Monday because I see him as really good. But there are things that only an MRI can see.”
